Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

Which item belongs in a sharps container?

1. AAn empty IV bag with the tubing removed
2. BA used scalpel blade
3. CA soiled gauze dressing
4. DA pair of used gloves

Why must fire doors in a hospital never be propped open?

1. AThey stop fire and smoke spreading between areas
2. BThey keep heat inside the ward in winter
3. CThey keep noise away from patient rooms
4. DThey stop visitors from entering the ward outside visiting hours

Which vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine?

1. AMMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
2. BInjected inactivated influenza vaccine
3. CHepatitis B vaccine
4. DTetanus toxoid vaccine

An alcohol-based skin prep has been used before surgery with electrosurgery. What must happen before the drapes are placed?

1. AThe prep must be warmed with a hair dryer
2. BThe prep must be covered with the drapes while it is still wet
3. CThe prep must be fully dry and any pooled liquid removed
4. DThe prep must be wiped off with saline

A patient with poorly controlled seizures asks about activities at home. Which advice is most important?

1. ANever swim or bathe alone
2. BAvoid all forms of exercise
3. CSleep sitting up in a chair
4. DAvoid drinking water before bed

Why is blood glucose control important around the time of surgery?

1. AHigh glucose impairs white cell function and raises the risk of surgical site infection
2. BGlucose levels only affect patients who have type 1 diabetes
3. CHigh glucose makes anesthetic drugs work for much longer and delays waking up
4. DLow glucose is needed around surgery so that the wound edges close more quickly

Which patient should the nurse assess first?

1. AA patient on chemotherapy with a new temperature of 38.4 °C (101.1 °F)
2. BA patient with tuberculosis who is asking to have visitors
3. CA patient with an MRSA wound due for a routine dressing change
4. DA patient who wants more alcohol hand rub in the room

A patient on airborne precautions needs an urgent CT scan. Which plan is correct?

1. AThe scan is postponed until the patient is no longer infectious
2. BPatient goes unmasked, and the CT room is cleaned the next day
3. CPatient masked, CT warned in advance, staff in respirators
4. DPatient wears an N95 respirator, so staff need no protection